Mid-90s bands like Sleater-Kinney, The Breeders, Veruca Salt, and Elastica, and many more, were (or still are) independent and strong minded. Many of the 90s female lead bands were totally unapologetic about being women and were not shy about letting lose with their music.

These bands ranged from the hardcore Riot Grrrl groups like L7 and Bikini Kill (part of which became the awesome Le Tigre) to the “cuddlecore” groups like Cuband Maow. However harsh or snuggly these bands were, seeing a feminine face rocking out and being herself certainly made a positive impact on my life.

There are so many more bands that I cannot fit into this post! What are some of your favorite female centric rock bands, and why? Who do you think are some of the upcoming women rockers we haven’t heard of yet?

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34 Responses to Stuff We Miss: Women Who Rocked Out

You have to love Girls School & The Donnas if you love girl rockers! Nice mention for L7 (always fantastic), their lead singer Donita Sparks does some really great solo stuff as well. Imelda May is basically the female Brian Setzer, not a rock at all but her sense of style and voice are both amazing.

I always loved Babes In Toyland, an all-girl three-piece that rocked super hard. Also, Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth was a HUGE inspiration for me as a female, and as a musician.
and I guess we can’t forget Hole, while we’re at it. 😉

I loved all these women! Kate Nash (who is 22 years old, btw) just came out with a new album, ‘My Best Friend is You,’ and, much like her first album, ‘Made of Bricks,’ the album is AMAZING for its fresh, unapologetic lyrics and infectious tunes.

Love it! Gwen Stefani always brings back awesome memories of home (esp. since we’re both from the Anaheim area). Also love Letters to Cleo, Save Ferris, the Donnas, and Garbage. And you can’t forget the classics: Heart, Pat Benatar, Joan Jett. Going to see Pat tomorrow night and I’m so excited!

Women who rock today though. . hmm well there aren’t any that really get me other than things like Eisley. I need to find more to listen to today. I hate overly known bands and singers honestly. Please give me more underground bands please please!!

I’m so much into Alison Mosshart right now. Her way of performing, with either The Kills or The Dead Weather, is just awesome, so energetic and inspiring.
I will see her in July in Switzerland with TDW and I know it’s going to be great!

Let’s not forget the woman who started it all Janis Joplin, I wasn’t alive for her era unfortunately but her music still influenced me…
and has anyone mentioned Stevie Nicks?! OMG how do you forget Stevie!

Sorry, but Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Kesha are all pretty awful. Beyonce I can tolerate, but the other two are trash. I enjoy St. Vincent, My Brightest Diamond, M.I.A., Santigold, and tons more. Just because they’re popular doesn’t mean they are any good 🙁

All of these are great! But how about some spanish-speaking ladies like Ximena Sarinana, Natalia Lafourcade, Julieta Venegas, Andrea Echeverri/Aterciopelados, Ely Guerra, Hello Seahorse!. Also, Jemina Pearl and i LOVE Regine from Arcade Fire!!